BORNO STATE GOVERNOR APPROVES A PAY RISE FOR STATE-EMPLOYED DOCTORS, BRINGING THEIR SALARIES AT PAR WITH FEDERAL COUNTERPARTS 22-11-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has approved a pay rise for state-employed doctors, bringing their salaries at par with federal counterparts.
The Governor gave the approval during the 65th National Council of Health meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, themed “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success.”
Governor Zulum directed the state Commissioner of health to take immediate action to address the disparities in payment between doctors working for Borno state and federal government.
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, pointed out that improving population health outcomes and ensuring financial protection for Nigeria’s poorest and most vulnerable was key priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Prof. Pate outlined several achievements:
• Healthcare Funding: Over 8,000 primary healthcare centers nationwide have benefitted from the ₦46 billion Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
• Workforce Development: More than 43,000 frontline health workers have been trained, with a target of 120,000 under the ongoing National Health Renewal Investment Initiative.
• Primary Healthcare Revitalization: Nearly 4,000 centers have been revitalized in collaboration with state governments.
• Affordable Care for Obstetric Fistula: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has provided free treatment for over 1,000 women with obstetric fistula complications and is reducing maternal mortality through improved access to emergency services, including caesarean sections.
Prof. Pate also stressed the need for professional groups to prioritize patient welfare, assuring them of the government’s commitment to resolving their concerns.
In a vote of thanks, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom commended Governor Zulum for hosting the council meeting and for his efforts to enhance the welfare of the health workforce in Borno State.
The event had Commissioners of Health, top ministry officials, development partners, and civil society groups in attendance.